The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) initiated steps toward the formal adoption of policies and procedures for a revitalized art program. The adoption of an art policy, and the subsequent development of art program guidelines, will build upon the District’s past efforts to integrate quality art into BART facilities to improve the customer experience, infuse stations with elements of surprise and wonder, and strengthen the sense of identity and vibrancy in communities throughout the District. The policy and subsequent documents will provide a framework for integrating art into larger BART initiatives and will explore the potential for expansion of the program through innovative partnerships with art and cultural organizations, regional municipalities, and other public and private funders.

 

The adoption of a formal art policy coincides with the implementation of the Station Modernization Program, Asset Management Policy, Access Framework, Transit Oriented Development, and other place-making initiatives. It also emerges from BART leadership’s larger desire to ensure that decisions about improvements and use of space in the stations are made holistically, and with the experience of the BART rider in mind. It is anticipated that formal adoption of policies and procedures will assist the agency in effectively planning for, managing, and promoting new art projects that are acquired as part of these initiatives.

 

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) initiated steps toward the formal adoption of policies and procedures for a revitalized art program that will build upon the District’s past efforts to integrate quality art into BART facilities to improve the customer experience, infuse stations with elements of surprise and wonder, and strengthen the sense of identity and vibrancy in communities throughout the District.